Financial Planning
Coordinate retirement, tax, insurance, legal, and investment considerations through a seamless planning process designed around your values, goals, timeline, and evolving financial needs.
Find fee-based guidance from Barking Sands Capital, an independent advisory team serving clients across Michigan, Minnesota, and the broader Midwest. Our fiduciary-minded approach brings retirement, investment, tax, insurance, Medicare, and estate considerations into one coordinated plan, helping you make confident decisions without product-pushing pressure.
Integrated financial guidance for retirement, investments, taxes, insurance, Medicare, and business owner planning.
Coordinate retirement, tax, insurance, legal, and investment considerations through a seamless planning process designed around your values, goals, timeline, and evolving financial needs.
Plan for income, asset distribution, Roth conversions, rollover decisions, Medicare timing, and long-term care needs with strategies built for life before and after retirement.
Use research-backed portfolio strategies, diversification planning, separately managed accounts, and ongoing portfolio analysis to pursue growth while managing risk across market cycles.
Align tax decisions with retirement, business ownership, insurance, and investment planning, including AMT considerations and strategies designed to improve long-term tax efficiency.
Transfer old workplace retirement savings into a strategy that fits your broader financial plan, risk tolerance, investment preferences, and retirement income objectives.
Evaluate Medicare coverage options, enrollment timelines, IRMAA exposure, and long-term care considerations so healthcare planning supports your retirement goals and assets.
We start by learning your values, goals, family priorities, business interests, risk comfort, and current financial picture. This helps the team understand what matters most before discussing strategies, accounts, products, or recommendations.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs independent fiduciary advice with transparent, coordinated financial decision-making.
Fee-based planning prioritizes goals and transparency instead of pushing unsuitable financial products.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated planning for Michigan, Minnesota, and Midwest clients.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment planning into one strategy.
Midwest roots and long-standing relationships create responsive, practical guidance across life stages.
Experienced advisors guiding clients with transparent, coordinated planning.
Principal, ChFC
JB L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), holding the prestigious Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation. With a career that began right out of college in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, JB has built deep expertise in investment management, retirement analysis, estate planning, and small business planning. Licensed in life and health insurance in both Michigan and Minnesota, he has maintained lasting relationships with many of his earliest clients — a testament to his commitment to delivering excellent service and real value. The oldest of six siblings, JB developed strong teamwork and family values early, qualities that define his client-first advisory approach. He and his wife Kelly reside in Independence, Minnesota, where they continue growing their Midwest financial planning practice.
Principal
Kelly C. L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), bringing a strong background in investment services, fixed income investing, retirement and education planning, and investment portfolio management. With five years of experience at one of the nation's largest commercial banks, Kelly joined her husband and business partner JB to build an independent, fee-based advisory firm grounded in putting clients' needs above all else. Growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where her family ran small resort businesses, Kelly developed an entrepreneurial spirit and deep appreciation for personalized service. Kelly resides in Independence, Minnesota, with JB and their two children.
Advisor
Curtis Hewitt is an Advisor with Barking Sands Capital, specializing in Medicare Planning and Long Term Care. Based in Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Curtis brings a dynamic entrepreneurial career to his advisory role, having successfully started, managed, and sold multiple businesses throughout his professional life. He is also co-founder of MSIS Agency. Curtis holds a degree in Architectural Design from Lansing Community College and a Business Management degree from Colorado Technical University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He holds Life and Health insurance licenses along with Series 6 and Series 63 registrations. A dedicated community servant, Curtis has served as president of a local Women's Shelter, school board member, and co-founder of a youth mountain biking program. He resides in Marquette with his wife and four children.
Client Relationship Manager
Tara Handy is the Client Relationship Manager at Barking Sands Capital, bringing more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in client service, account management, and operational support, ensuring that both advisors and clients receive responsive, accurate, and professional assistance. Tara holds Series 7 and Series 63 securities registrations, Life and Health Insurance licenses, and is a commissioned Notary Public. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. Known for building strong, lasting relationships, Tara is dedicated to making every client interaction seamless and reliable. She resides in western North Carolina with her husband and three children, and values hard work, strong relationships, and serving others in every aspect of her life.
CFP®
Andrea Cervena is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with Barking Sands Capital, bringing over 20 years of financial industry experience spanning three continents and multiple sectors including banking, real estate, hospitality, and sports. She holds a BA in International Business and Business Administration from Minot State University and an MA in International Relations from the International University of Japan. Since 2020, Andrea has focused exclusively on personal finance, earning her CFP® designation and assisting clients with Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Education Funding, and Budgeting. Her service-oriented approach and global perspective allow her to craft creative, tailored financial solutions. Outside of work, Andrea is an active volleyball official, cycling community ambassador, and Masters Ski Racing board member.
Fiduciary financial advisor fees commonly vary by service model. Asset management fees are often charged as a percentage of assets managed, while planning may involve flat, hourly, or project-based fees. Barking Sands Capital uses a fee-based process and emphasizes transparency, including an independent RIA structure where commissions are not paid on managed accounts.
Talk with our team about planning, investments, or retirement decisions.
Credentialed standard for comprehensive planning.
Advanced credential in financial consulting.
Independent, transparent advisory compensation structure.
Share your goals, questions, and timing. A member of the team will help you understand the next best step for your financial plan.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 952-500-8854. You can also send us a quick email at jb@barkingsandscapital.com.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 952-500-8854. You can also send us a quick email at jb@barkingsandscapital.com.